Expanding the recycling circle

April 28, 2007

The success of BagFest April 14 at Indiana University South Bend is a good indication that residents have bought into the benefits of recycling. More than 72,400 plastic shopping bags were collected for recycling. In fact, the pile of bags grew so large in one corner of IUSB's campus cafeteria that it nearly reached the ceiling. Unfortunately, plastic shopping bags are not accepted through local municipal recycling programs. There is, however, another option. Since early 2006, Wal-Mart stores nationwide have set up collection bins for the bags. The store accepts bags from any retailer, not just Wal-Mart. There is a market for the bags and it's a lucrative one. In the past year, Wal-Mart nationally has recycled 57 million pounds of plastic bags. The company made $10 million selling the bags to Rocky Mountain Recycling based in Salt Lake City. That's 57 million pounds of plastic bags that don't end up in this country's landfills. And there's apparently a good profit to be made from the sale of those bags. We think local recyclers should find a way to make plastic shopping bags work into the mix of recycling. Perhaps most important is the idea that companies actively promote the recycling programs that exist. Why stop at the curbside? There should be better promotion of programs that include recycling of items such as computers, batteries and old paint and spray cans, all kinds of household hazardous waste that shouldn't be placed in with regular trash for pick up. For example, the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program takes such items. It also accepts any electronic equipment for a $12-an-item charge. The center is located at 1105 E. Fifth St. in Mishawaka and is open from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For general information on the hazards of electronic equipment waste and how to dispose of it, go to www.escrapindiana.org.